Hundreds of Utahns turn out for 'Biggest Loser' auditions

By
Nkoyo Iyamba
|
Posted - May 4th, 2013 @ 10:31pm

SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of people lined up Saturday outside KSL Broadcast Studio for a chance to compete on NBC's "The Biggest Loser". Some hopefuls waited for as long as five hours to prove they have what it takes.

Autumn Mortensen is one of hundreds with worn feet and tired legs, waiting for open auditions in downtown Salt Lake for the upcoming season of Biggest Loser. But waiting in line was a small price to pay for that once in a lifetime chance to fulfill their dreams.

For some, like Krystyne Hales, motivation goes beyond just losing weight. She has an even bigger dream — to be an archeologist.

"I've been on some burial digs in Jordan and Italy, so it's something that I love," Hales said. "I just can't really do it right now because it takes a lot of physical work."

After waiting outside, smaller groups were brought indoors to get prepped before seeing the casting directors. Part of that prep included instruction and encouragement from Biggest Loser alumni and finalist Jackson Carter, from Layton.

"For them to come out and make that step and come out for four hours just to see a casting director — they want to be healthy, and I'm hoping to give them the tools that they need to start that journey," he said.

Carter said casting directors are looking for unique stories from the Biggest Loser hopefuls, so he encouraged each person waiting today to find their own special story and what makes them stand out above the rest.

Some of the folks who came out will make the cut, and those who do will hear from producers before midnight. From there, they'll start working with show producers over the next couple days.